What is your name and location?
My name is Ashley Abbott and I live in Los Angeles.
How do you heal yourself? What is your favorite form of self-therapy?
Healing can take many forms, and sometimes the deepest healing comes in the most unexpected ways. My daily forms of healing are different self-care practices such as ritual bathing, nourishing foods, time in water, meditation, caring for plants and tending to my crystals, plenty of rest and quiet moments. But my main form of self-therapy is self responsibility. I have found that taking responsibility for my life is truly the most empowering form of healing out there. And using crystals in this practice of self-responsibility can be really powerful. They hold space in ways humans cannot. They can offer gentle guidance or reveal areas I need to work on in this really beautiful and graceful way.
When/what was the catalyst that made you start?
It seems that the catalyst for developing a deeper relationship to self-healing always stems from challenging and difficult times. My mom passed away when I was five, which inspired so many questions about life and death, and what that means to me. As I got older, I explored those big questions and was eventually lead to the world of crystals and metaphysics. And then, a couple years ago, I found myself in an abusive relationship with my daughter's father. To finally be honest with myself about the relationship was life changing, devastating, and freeing all at the same time. It really allowed me to release so much of what I thought my life should look like, and open myself up to receiving more beauty than I could imagine. Leaving that relationship reunited me with myself and the healer within. It was after that relationship ended that I really allowed my healing work with crystals to begin.
How has this form of healing helped you?
Developing my relationship with crystals has allowed for a deeper connection to my higher self and soul. Crystals are able to translate energy into a much more accessible language for us, bridging the gaps and reminding us of our innate power and connection to all that is. That is magic in it's truest form. Their energy contains so much beauty, and has allowed me to recognize my own beauty, my own power. See, crystals do not do the work for you, they are only their to co-create healing with you, to blend with you, to offer support and connection. They are tools to teach empowerment.
What does your process look like? (Please share what you feel comfortable sharing)
My process ranges depending on what is being processed. For healing myself, I always allow space for deep grieving. Our culture often pushes grieving to the side which then shows up in other ways (anger, hate, fear, resentment, guilt) so it's important to me to always allow for grieving, even in the most subtle sense. Loss can show up in many ways. I also try to be mindful of forgiving myself. Self-punishment feels good to the ego, because ultimately you are still not taking responsibility, but it hurts the heart. There are ways to accept responsibility without judgement on oneself, and that is where I always try to act from. I also always try to remember to ask for help. I call upon my unseen friends, my ancestors, the crystals, my family, in the physical or beyond. Healing can occur with much more ease when we feel supported by others.
How does it make you feel when you are healing yourself?
Empowered. What a gift it is to be shown ways to empower ourselves daily. Every challenging or triggering moment that comes up, we have a choice on how to respond. And every time I choose to react with emotional honesty and responsibility, I feel completely empowered and free.
Why is what you do so important? Why is this form of self-helping important to you?
We live in such chaotic times, such painful times, and it's important to balance that with self care and empowered healing. I often find myself getting caught up in feeling helpless with all the troubles of the world today, and when those feelings arise, I know it's time to offer myself some healing and re-connection. When I don't offer healing space to myself my physical and energetic bodies begin to deplete. I become physically ill and am unable to hold space for others. When I take time for my own healing, I am better able to be of service to others.
What is your inspiration to continue doing what you are doing? What is the fuel that keeps you going?
Healing and spiritual development is a never-ending practice and process of learning. I want to continue on this path of self-discovery, learn all that I can, and share all that I know. Connecting to others in that way is something that resonates so deep within me.
What are your visions &/or goals?
To continue my own expansion with my practice and share my process with others in the hopes that it may benefit some. I am visioning some major shifts within the next couple of years, shepherding crystals to more and more people who can truly benefit from their magic and offering intuitive crystal readings and healing to others.
Tell us a fun fact about your form of healing, what it is that you do, or something people may not know.
Working with crystals is a completely non-linear experience. You can read as many books or websites about stones, but ultimately, your relationship with a specific stone may feel completely different. You will be drawn to the crystals that you are intuitively needing at that moment.
In one sentence, what is your message to the world?
Forgive yourself
Is there is anything else that you would like to share about yourself or what your form of self-healing?
I am a mother to a beautiful 6 year old daughter named Lilo who has inspired so much of my self healing journey. Children are our little teachers, if we choose to listen we can learn so much from them.
Thank you for allowing me this space to share!
With gratitude,
Ashley Abbott
instagram: sacredfem
website: mirrorforthemoon.com
email: connect@mirrorforthemoon.com